Pep Guardiola weighs in on FFP charges and four key absentees for Brentford clash

Pep Guardiola revealed his Manchester City players ‘don’t talk’ about the alleged charges levelled against the club by the Premier League.

Guardiola’s men return to action this weekend at home to Brentford – their final match before the hearing into the 115 charges is due to start.

City have consistently denied all wrongdoing, but Guardiola admitted he will be relieved when the matter is put to bed.

On the upcoming case, Guardiola said: “It [the hearing] starts soon and will hopefully finish soon. The independent panel will decide, looking forward to the decision.”

Among the possible punishments for City if they’re found guilty is a points deduction, which could impact the club’s chance of success on the pitch this season.

But Guardiola revealed the issue isn’t one that concerns his players: “I’m not a lawyer, there are many lawyers in this country and in Spain. But we’re going to wait and see.

“No [it isn’t spoken about in the dressing room]. Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer. We are going to have the independent panel and we’ll accept the sentence [if guilty]. I don’t talk about it.”

He continued: “I’m happy it’s starting on Monday. I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.

“But I’ve said, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

Instead, Guardiola insisted his full attention was fixed on this weekend’s Premier League clash against Brentford.

But the Catalan will be without Nathan Ake for the match, after the Dutchman was injured on international duty.

On the defender, he said: “We are unlucky with Nathan and the international team; every time he goes there, he comes back injured,” before confirming Ake will be out of action for around a month.

Guardiola could also be missing star striker Erling Haaland, who announced this week that family friend Ivar Eggja – an instrumental figure in the Norwegian’s career – had passed away.

On the possibility of Haaland missing Saturday’s game, Guardiola commented: “A tough moment for Erling and his family, sad news.

“A close person to him and his family, 59 years old. Our thoughts are with him and all his family. And it’s sad, and we’ll see tomorrow [Saturday] if he’s able mentally and physically to play.”

There was at least some good news for City supporters, with Guardiola confirming both Rodri and Phil Foden are “very good” and should be involved against the Bees.